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Omega 3 Supplements ~ what are the benefits

Is there any point in taking Omega 3 Vitamin Supplements? What are the benefits? Can't I just eat more salmon? Read these essentials before you buy Omega 3 Fatty Acid supplements.

OMEGA 3 BENEFITS

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are ESSENTIAL to your overall health and wellbeing. They are particularly good for your heart, brain and joints. Omega-3s aid the transmission of signals between your brain cells which help your cardiocascular system function properly and help to reduce inflammation especially in your joints.

Omega 3 is essential too for healthy skin and hair growth

As if that wasn't enough, Omega 3 fatty acids help in the structure and function of cell membranes. That's the layer that separates the cell from the outside environment. It's like a plastic bag for your cells.

NATURE'S PROZAC

Omega 3 is often called "Nature's Prozac" for its ability to help raise serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin helps to control our mood.

NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW THIS ABOUT OMEGA 3s

What people do not realise is that Omega 3s are not produced by the body. The only way you can generate omega 3 fatty acids is to injest them.

WHAT ARE THE BEST OMEGA 3 FOODS?

Omega 3 is found mainly in fish and plant oils. It's recommended that people have at least 2 or more servings of cold water fish every week.

Omega 3 sources include:

Flaxseed

Walnuts

Salmon

Sardines

Halibut

Snapper

Shrimp

Tofu

Scallop

As most people on a modern, Western diet do not eat enough Omega 3 as part of their usual diet, it's recommended that they take Omega 3 Supplements.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED MORE OMEGA 3 IN MY DIET?

There isn't one particular symptom which will tell you that you need to eat more foods rich in Omega 3. But a lack of omega 3 has been linked to the following conditions:

Cardiovascular or heart disease

Dry, itchy skin

Joint ache

The inability to concentrate

Fatique and general tiredness

Depression

Type 2 Diabetes

Brittle nails and hair

OMEGA 3 BENEFITS FOR THE HEART

Omega 3 contain EPA and DHA from fish oil: these help to decrease the fat in the blood, known as triglycerides. Omega-3s also help maintain the flexibility of blood vessels, assisting in the maintenance of a good blood pressure and healthy heart rates.

BENEFITS FOR THE BRAIN

DHA is one of the Omega 3 fats that are found in brain cells. It contributes to healthy brain functions

OMEGA 3 FOR HEALTHY JOINTS

They have anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce pain and swelling associate with arthritis.

KEEPS YOU YOUNG

Doctors such as Dr Nicholas Perricone (as featured on oprah.com) have linked inflammation with aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, certain cancers and wrinkly, sagging skin.

OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENTS

Regular fish oil capsules contain about 300mg (180mg EPA and 120 mg DHA) of omega-3. The National Health and Medical Research Council suggests 610mg omega-3s for men and 430mg for women. You can also buy omega 3 supplements in more concentrated form .

Omega 3 supplements are founds to be okay during pregnancy and breastfeeding too, though as always, consult your doctor.